Akwa Ibom State has recorded five cases of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, in the last few days.

The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health, Samuel Etuk, confirmed the development to journalists on Friday.

He said a total of 30 samples were collected across different local government areas for diagnosis, and four of them tested positive for Mpox.

Etuk said: “Four cases were confirmed, three of them are male, and one female, they are aged two, four, 12 and 41 years respectively.

“This confirmation was by Breakthrough Action Nigeria in collaboration with the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme.

“We have another positive case of Mpox, this latest case brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to five.”

The surveillance officer said 10 community-based informants had been engaged to work in catchment areas.

“They will be reporting to the health facility focal person who will communicate the local government disease surveillance and notification office.

“The full report will later be submitted to the state ministry of health for prompt actions,” he added.

Etuk listed the symptoms of Mpox to include headache, swollen lymph nodes, fever, back and muscle pain, and lack of energy.

“Another symptom is rashes. It begins on the face and gradually affects other parts such as palms, soles, and feet,” he concluded.

The World Health Organisation last month declared Mpox a global public health emergency.

Nigeria has more than 40 confirmed cases as of last month.

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